BanMe

BanMe brings the authentic, smoky flavors of Vietnamese Highlands street food to the heart of Braddon, Australian Capital Territory. Tucked away inside the Waves Car Wash at 15 Lonsdale Street, this hidden gem has quickly become one of Canberra's best-kept culinary secrets. The restaurant is an homage to the town of Ban Mê Thuột in Vietnam's Central Highlands, where the founders' family recipes have been perfected over three generations. The name itself carries a deep, triple significance: it represents "Ba Me" (mother and father), the iconic Vietnamese sandwich Bánh mì, and the cherished birthplace Ban Mê. Every dish on the menu reflects this rich heritage, crafted with love, house-made pâté, and a dedication to charcoal-grilled, never processed, meats.

Walking into BanMe is a sensory experience. The aroma of sizzling pork, beef, and chicken over charcoal fills the air, while the friendly team prepares vibrant, balanced dishes in an unpretentious, welcoming setting. Behind the humble exterior lies a kitchen led by Chef Minh Tri Nguyen, whose 15 years of experience includes working with renowned chefs like Luke Mangan and Peter Gilmore. Together with his fiancée Kathy Phan, a self-taught pâté expert, they have created a menu that satisfies both quick cravings and leisurely meals. From the famous crackling pork bánh mì to deeply comforting bowls of phở and beautifully charred bún chả, BanMe delivers an unforgettable taste of Vietnam.

Signature Dishes & What We Offer

The menu at BanMe is centered around charcoal-grilled proteins and traditional Vietnamese staples, all featuring their signature house-made sauces and pâté. The bánh mì selection is the star, with standout options like the Crispy Grilled Pork & Crackling Pork Roll, the Triple Meats Roll with char-grilled pork, beef, and chicken, and the Double Bacon and Eggs Viet Roll. All bánh mì are served on crisp, airy bread with shallots, coriander, pâté, mayo, pickled carrot and daikon, and fresh cucumber, with optional chili for extra heat. Beyond sandwiches, the kitchen prepares hearty bowls of Phở soup and Bún Bò Huế-style spicy lemongrass noodle soup, alongside Cơm Tấm broken rice plates and vibrant Bún rice noodle salads like the signature Bún Chả and Crab Roll Salad Noodle.

Charcoal BBQ & Share Plates

A highlight of the BanMe experience is the Charcoal BBQ share plates, designed for dining in and gathering around the table. The BanMe's Signature Big Charcoal Plate features a generous mix of charcoal pork, beefsteak, chicken, Viet sausage, and king mushroom, perfect for building your own bánh mì or pairing with rice paper rolls. The Banh Mi Platter and Viet Charcoal Sausage Rice Paper Set are also popular choices, offering a hands-on, customizable meal. These platters showcase the kitchen's commitment to fire-grilled flavor and interactive eating, making them popular for weekend lunches and small group celebrations.

Services & Facilities

BanMe is proud to serve the Braddon community with a range of convenient dining options. Guests can enjoy their meal on-site in a relaxed, no-frills space that even extends into the adjoining car wash area after hours, where low traditional tables are set up for an authentic street-food feel. For those on the go, in-store pickup and an efficient takeaway service ensure you can grab a quick, high-quality bánh mì or combo. BanMe also offers a delivery service through popular local platforms, bringing their Vietnamese classics straight to your door. Online ordering is available via their website, making it easy to skip the queue during peak times.

Catering for Every Occasion

What truly sets BanMe apart is its robust catering division, which brings the flavors of Ban Mê to corporate events, weddings, parties, and family gatherings. The catering menu features curated sets to suit different group sizes and budgets. The Ready-to-Eat Menu One serves 10 people with a mix of crispy rolls, bánh mì, and rice paper rolls for $200, while the Vietnamese Hands-On Deluxe Menu at $300 invites 15 guests to build their own bánh mì and fresh rice paper rolls. For premium events, the Company/Party Menu caters to 20 people for $500, centered around the Signature Big Charcoal Plate, a bánh mì platter, and assorted rolls. Catering orders come with first-time customer discounts and free delivery on orders over $300. To inquire or customize a menu, customers can call Tommy directly at 0426 292 628 or email banme0108@gmail.com.

Starters, Sides & Beverages

No meal at BanMe is complete without exploring the starters and sides. The Crispy Pork Spring Rolls (available in a vegan mushroom option) are a must-try, filled with minced pork, carrot, mushroom, and taro and served with a pungent, sweet, and garlicky house-made fish sauce. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls are made to order with choices like prawn, grilled beef, or crispy tofu. Other favorites include Crispy Crackling Pork, Deep-Fried Pork Rice Paper Rolls, and the refreshing Honey Soy Charcoal King Mushroom. To cool down, the drinks menu features Vietnamese Iced Coffee with condensed milk, Lychee and Longan Iced Teas, and the uniquely satisfying Avocado & Coconut Smoothie—a fan favorite on hot Canberra days.

Why Customers Choose Us

Patrons return to BanMe not just for the food, but for the experience of genuine hospitality and uncompromising quality. The team uses no processed meats, relying instead on charcoal-grilled pork, beef, chicken, and sausage, seasoned with family recipes. The pâté and phở broth have been passed down through three generations, giving the food a depth of flavor that stands out in Canberra's dining scene. The atmosphere is welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly, as noted in customer reviews, with a relaxed vibe that makes both solo diners and groups feel at home. Here's what guests consistently highlight:

• Authentic Highland flavors: Unique charcoal-smoky notes in every bánh mì and grilled dish.
• House-made components: Pâté, fish sauce, pickles, and phở broth made from scratch.
• Generous catering: Customizable sets with free delivery and first-order discounts.
• Consistent quality: Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and perfectly balanced savory-sweet-sour profiles.
• Friendly service: A kind, attentive team that shares the story behind each dish.
• Value for money: Affordable pricing with generous portions, rated 1–20 AUD per person.

Serving Braddon & the Australian Capital Territory

Located at 15 Lonsdale Street inside Waves Car Wash, BanMe is uniquely positioned to serve the bustling Braddon area and the broader ACT community. Braddon residents and workers can easily walk in for a quick lunch, while visitors from nearby suburbs like Turner, Reid, and the Canberra CBD find the central location convenient. The restaurant's proximity to major roads and public transport makes it an easy stop for anyone craving high-quality Vietnamese street food. For event organizers, BanMe delivers catering across the ACT, ensuring that offices, wedding venues, and private homes can all enjoy the same charcoal-grilled excellence that defines the brand.

Hours, Location & Directions

BanMe operates with hours designed to cover both lunch and dinner services, though it's advisable to check anning around holidays as the business closes on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The restaurant's location may surprise first-time visitors—you literally walk through the car wash to find it. Once the car wash closes, the space transforms into an alfresco dining zone with low tables, adding to the street-food charm. For precise opening times, ordering, or catering inquiries, call (02) 6189 8955 or visit the official website.

Plan your visit to BanMe and let the taste transport you to the vibrant streets and highland markets of Vietnam. Whether you're grabbing a quick crackling pork bánh mì combo, settling in for a bowl of rare beef phở, or booking catering for your next big event, the team looks forward to sharing their family's legacy of feel-good, smoky, and deeply satisfying food.